Common Array Manager: Simple and Complete Guide

Common Array Manager is a storage management software, it was created by Sun Microsystems, later it was managed by Oracle, the main goal of Common Array Manager is to manage storage arrays from one place, it helps storage administrators control storage systems in an easy way, this tool is mostly used in older enterprise systems, many companies still use it because their hardware is still active, learning Common Array Manager is useful for managing legacy storage systems, this guide explains Common Array Manager in simple words, it covers how it works how to install it and how to use it WhatsonTech

What Is Common Array Manager

Common Array Manager is a centralized storage management tool,

It allows users to do the following tasks,

Discover storage arrays

Configure storage settings

Monitor system health

Manage user access

Perform maintenance tasks

It works with supported Sun Storage arrays only, it does not support all storage brands

Main Features of Common Array Manager

Common Array Manager includes many useful features,

Core Features

Centralized management system

Web based user interface

Command line interface

Role based access control

Secure communication

Benefits

Easier storage control

Reduced manual work

Better visibility of storage health

Consistent configuration

Architecture Overview

Common Array Manager uses a centralized architecture, this means one system controls many storage arrays,

Main Components

Management server

Storage arrays

User interfaces

Security services

Management Server

The management server hosts the software,
It stores all configuration data,
It runs background services,

Storage Arrays

Storage arrays are the physical storage systems,
They are connected to the management server,
Only supported arrays can be managed,

User Interfaces

There are two ways to use Common Array Manager,

Web based interface

Command line interface

Security Layer

Security controls user access,
It protects data and settings,

Supported Storage Arrays

Common Array Manager supports specific Sun Storage arrays,

Support depends on these factors,

Array model

Firmware version

Operating system

Network setup

Important Notes

Unsupported arrays cannot be managed

Old firmware may cause issues

Compatibility must be checked before use

Installation and Setup

Installation must be done carefully,

Pre Installation Requirements

Before installing Common Array Manager check the following,

Supported operating system

Enough disk space

Network connectivity

Admin access

Open required ports

Installation Methods

Common Array Manager can be installed using different methods,

Graphical installer

Command line installer

Silent installer

After Installation

After installation complete these steps,

Start all services

Access the web interface

Log in with admin account

Verify system status

Accessing Common Array Manager

Common Array Manager is accessed through a web browser,

Web Access Details

Verification Checklist

Web page opens correctly

Login works

Dashboard loads

No error messages

Web Based User Interface

The web interface is easy to use, it helps administrators manage storage visually,

Main Sections

Dashboard

Storage configuration

Monitoring

Alerts

Logs

Dashboard Features

The dashboard shows,

Array health status

Capacity usage

Alerts and warnings

Common Tasks Using GUI

Discover arrays

Create storage pools

Create volumes

Assign storage to hosts

Monitor performance

Command Line Interface

The command line interface is called sscs, it is used by advanced users,

When to Use CLI

Automation tasks

Remote management

Bulk operations

Troubleshooting

CLI Capabilities

Discover arrays

Configure storage

Monitor system status

Export configurations

View logs

CLI Advantages

Faster operations

Script support

No browser needed

Storage Configuration Basics

Common Array Manager uses logical storage concepts,

Storage Components

Configuration Tasks

Create disk pools

Choose RAID level

Create volumes

Expand storage

Modify settings

RAID Management

RAID helps protect data, Common Array Manager supports multiple RAID types,

Benefits of RAID include,

Data protection

Improved performance

Fault tolerance

Host Mapping and Access Control

Storage must be assigned to hosts, this process is called host mapping,

Host Mapping Steps

Identify host

Select volume

Assign access

Confirm mapping

Access Control Benefits

Prevents unauthorized access

Reduces data risks

Improves system stability

Monitoring and Reporting

Monitoring helps keep systems healthy,

Health Monitoring

Common Array Manager checks these components,

Disks

Controllers

Power units

Cooling systems

Performance Monitoring

Administrators can track,

Storage usage

System load

Performance trends

Alerts

Alerts notify administrators of problems,

Examples include,

Disk failure

Capacity warning

Communication issue

Configuration Export and Import

This feature saves storage settings,

Use Cases

Backup configurations

Duplicate settings

Restore after failure

Prepare new arrays

Important Warnings

Export does not save data

Import may overwrite settings

Always back up data

Best Practices

Verify compatibility

Perform during maintenance time

Test before production use

Maintenance and Updates

Regular maintenance is important,

Maintenance Tasks

Apply software patches

Update firmware

Review logs

Check compatibility

Upgrade Checklist

Read release notes

Test upgrades

Schedule downtime

Prepare rollback plan

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Problems can occur in any system,

Common Problems

Web interface not loading

Login failure

CLI errors

Array connection issues

Troubleshooting Steps

Check service status

Verify network connection

Review logs

Confirm user access

Check array status

Diagnostic Tools

System logs

CLI commands

Alert history

Uninstallation and Decommissioning

When no longer needed Common Array Manager should be removed safely,

Decommissioning Steps

Remove arrays from management

Stop services

Use official uninstall tool

Verify cleanup

Why Proper Removal Is Important

Avoid system conflicts

Prevent leftover services

Maintain system stability

Security Features

Security protects storage systems,

Built In Security

User authentication

Role based access

Secure communication

Audit logs

Security Best Practices

Limit admin access

Use strong passwords

Monitor logs

Restrict network access

Best Practices for Daily Use

Operational Tips

Monitor storage daily

Document changes

Backup configurations

Schedule maintenance

Keep documentation updated

Managing Legacy Systems

Avoid unsupported updates

Maintain compatibility records

Plan migration early

Limitations and End of Life

Common Array Manager is a legacy product,

Limitations

Limited hardware support

No modern storage features

Reduced vendor support

Planning for the Future

Organizations should,

Identify dependencies

Plan migration

Train staff

Keep systems stable

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Common Array Manager?

It is a storage management software, it is used to manage Sun Storage arrays from one central system, it helps administrators control configure and monitor storage

What is Common Array Manager used for?

Common Array Manager is used for these tasks,

Managing storage arrays

Creating and managing volumes

Monitoring system health

Assigning storage to hosts

Performing maintenance tasks

Who should use this?

Common Array Manager is best for,

Storage administrators

System administrators

Companies using Sun Storage hardware

Legacy enterprise environments

Is it still supported?

Common Array Manager is a legacy product, official support is limited, many organizations still use it for existing systems

Which storage arrays work with Common Array Manager?

Common Array Manager works only with supported Sun Storage arrays, Compatibility depends on array model and firmware version

Does it support modern storage systems?

Common Array Manager does not support modern storage platforms, it is designed for older Sun Storage hardware

How do I access Common Array Manager?

It is accessed using a web browser, it uses a secure HTTPS connection, Login credentials are required

Does it have a command line tool?

Yes it includes a command line tool, the tool name is sscs, it is used for advanced management and automation

Can I use this without a web interface?

Yes it can be managed using the command line only, this is useful for remote access and scripts

What are the main features of this?

Main features include,

Centralized storage management

Web based interface

Command line access

Storage monitoring

Role based security

Does it store user data?

Common Array Manager does not store user data, it only manages storage configuration and settings

What is configuration export in Common Array Manager?

Configuration export saves storage settings, it helps with backup and duplication of array settings

Conclusion

It is a reliable storage management tool for supported Sun Storage systems, it provides centralized control and clear visibility of storage resources, even though it is a legacy product it is still useful in many environments, with proper knowledge and best practices it can continue to operate safely, understanding Common Array Manager helps administrators manage existing systems and plan future upgrades